Man City make early exit from Champions League for second year running as Real Madrid join Dortmund in next round.
Karim Benzema scored the goal that put Real through and Man City out of the Champions League [GALLO/GETTY]
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| Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are through to the last 16 of the Champions League after Wednesday's Champions League action. Manchester City were sent out in the group stage for the second year running following a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid. City needed a win to keep their hopes alive going into the Group D finale, but Karim Benzema exploited sloppy defending to put Madrid ahead after just 10 minutes at Etihad Stadium. City secured a lifeline in the 74th when Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off after fouling Sergio Aguero and the Argentina striker subsequently equalised from the penalty spot. But Madrid held on for the draw to qualify, leaving City stranded at the bottom with just three points from five matches.
"With the array of players at their disposal it is amazing they have been eliminated at the group stage two years running," Real manager Jose Mourinho said. "If it was Madrid I think the press wouldn't let me return to Madrid." Borussia Dortmund currently top the Group of Death after easing into the next round with a 4-1 thrashing of Ajax. Mario Goetze was involved in all four goals, including two from Robert Lewandowski. "All our goals were top quality and came at just the right time," said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp. "Ajax were a difficult opponent, even if the result doesn't suggest it." The neat and well-organised German side are many people's outside bet to win the tournament. The top place in the group will be decided when Dortmund face City in their final match and Ajax travel to Madrid. Arguably the most in-form Champions league team alongside Dortmund are Spanish side Malaga, who had already qualified before their match with Zenit St Petersburg. They continued their strong showing in the tournament taking a two goal lead against their rivals but Zenit St. Petersburg fought back in their clash to claim a 2-2 draw. However, the point wasn't enough for the Russian side to get through as AC Milan's 3-1 victory over Anderlecht gave the Italians the second spot. Stephan El Shaarawy and Philippe Mexes produced flashes of brilliance to lead Milan to a place in the next round of the Champions League. |
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